They are very good quality and parts are readily available and don't need to be hand fitted.
The Indian made Bess' are great for reenactors but I wouldn't want to use one as a true shooter. Parts are hard to come by and need to be hand fitted. And the fit and finish have a lot to be desired
Sorry fellas, have to disagree with you here. Perhaps it's the state of the newer besses on the market?
Pedersoli makes a poor copy of a 2nd Model Bess, which for the vast majority of history minded folks, is incorrect for reenactment in North America. I have had to harden several "new" Pedersoli frizzens in the past couple of years, I have replaced several main springs that came cracked from the factory, and Pedersoli replacements arrived cracked as well. Finding Pedersoli parts "available" on line is easy, finding them in stock is not always as easy. Finding forged after market, quality mainsprings is easy, but they do sometimes need fitting.
I have a proper 1st Model King's Musket from Loyalist Arms in Canada. I have the 1756 era version with nose cap and metal rammer. The fit is excellent, the markings are proper, the function of the lock is correct; sparking well, and it is rated to fire live. The wood is not correct (neither is Pedersoli's) but for $300 less than the incorrect Pedersoli...., I have no trouble refinishing the stock.
I know of ONE incident where an Indian made Bess blew up, it was not a Loyalist Arms Bess, AND it was most probably due to the incorrect dumping of several unfired charges building up in the barrel beyond the breech.
LD
http://www.loyalistarms.freeservers.com/flintlockmatchlocketcmuskets.html/